Mangu (Plateau) – As Plateau records large voter turnout in the Saturday’s supplementary elections, crowd control has become a huge challenge in some polling units.

An electoral official looks at documents at the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on March 10, 2019. – Nigeria’s election authorities announced the suspension of activities in volatile opposition-held Rivers State on March 10 citing violence and threats to its staff, as tensions rise in the wake of closely-watched regional elections. Counting is continuing across the country after the March 9 elections for governors in 29 of Nigeria’s 36 states, all state assemblies and administrative councils in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. Results are expected in the coming days. (Photo AFP)

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that places like Mangu and Barikin Ladi have recorded serious challenges in crowd control.

“We did have the challenge of crowd control at Barikin Choji polling unit but thanks to the security operatives who have helped us at controlling it.

“Things are moving smoothly and peacefully now, ” Mr Dickson Chollom, Council Chairman, said.

Chollom described the supplementary as “very worthy step” towards determining the right person that would govern Plateau.

Also, Mr Okoro Godwin, an observer with Youth Initiative for Sustainable Human Development in Africa, said: ” the large turnout is beyond our expectation compared to what we saw on March 9.”

“What we have seen so far in Mangu, Bokkos and Barikin Ladi LGAs is very huge turnout.

“The crowd control problem at Barikin Choji polling unit in Barikin Ladi LGA is said to be as a result of some intruders.

“I was happy when the security personnel quickly intervened and brought the situation under control.

“It’s good that there is no sign of apathy, ” Godwin said.

NAN reports that voting began in earnest in most of the polling units, especially at Angwan Hausawa, Chichim, Ranpiya and Madaki I polling units in Mangu ward I and Barikin Choji polling unit in B/Ladi.

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There were no complaints of electoral materials from the INEC Polling Officers as there were huge security presence in all the units where supplementary elections were being held across the affected councils. (NAN)